Kimbo Fights for Respect in “TUF 10” House

With his highly anticipated Octagon debut set for this Wednesday’s episode of “The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights,” Kevin “Kimbo Slice” Ferguson talks about the large bull’s eye that he dawned across his back during his tenure on the reality show.

“They respected me. They probably talked crap behind my back, but they respected me,” Kimbo said of his popularity inside the “TUF” crib. “I knew that all I could was work my ass off and get better so I could handle my business when the time comes.”

Thus far, the street fighting legend has appeared on both of this seasons episodes and was heavily featured in last week’s show. “TUF 10” coach Quinton “Rampage” Jackson complimented Kimbo on his relentless work ethic and his ability to quickly process new information.

“I learned a little bit more skills. A lot more skills,” Kimbo said of his improved MMA game. “There are more fighters out there for me to fight so I need to make sure I work harder than they do.”

Although Spike TV wrapped filming a few months back, the results of this much-talked about season have been tightly sealed, as if Jack Bauer’s services were requested. The good news for Kimbo is that he did enough during his time on the show to impress UFC brass, regardless of the outcome, to warrant a professional fight inside the Octagon.

That’s music to Kimbo’s ears as he is being rewarded for rolling the dice by entering the heavyweight tournament, something that he had been relegated to in hopes of catching a break.

“Being in the house became very lonely at times. Yes, looking back, I made a good decision. If I had to join the show again, I would,” Kimbo stated.

Watch the YouTube sensation take on former IFL heavyweight king Roy “Big Country” Nelson on this Wednesday’s edition of “The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights” beginning at 10PM ET/PT on Spike TV.